Process for the production of progesterone derivatives

Abstract

A process for the production of progresterone derivatives of general formula I ##STR1## in which symbolizes a single bond or a double bond, X represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom or a methyl group and V means a methylene group, an ethylene group, an ethylidene group or a vinylidene group, is described.

We claim: 
     
       1. Process for the production of progesterone derivatives of general formula I ##STR5## in which   symbolizes a single bond or a double bond, X represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom or a methyl group and   V means a methylene group, an ethylene group, an ethylidene group or a vinylidene group, which is characterized in that a nitrile of the general formula II ##STR6##  in which Y and Z together are an alkylenedioxy group with 2 to 6 carbon atoms and  , X and V have the above-mentioned meaning and in which W represents a hydrogen atom or in which   Y symbolizes an alkyloxy group with up to 4 carbon atoms, a benzyl group or an acyloxy group with 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and Z and W represent two hydrogen atoms or together mean a carbon-carbon bond,   with a Grignard reagent of the general formula III   CH.sub.3 --Mg--Z                                           (III),        in which Z symbolizes a chlorine atom or a bromine atom, is reacted and the intermediate products formed are hydrolyzed by acids.   
     
     
       2. Process for the production of progesterone derivatives of general formula I according to claim 1, wherein the reaction is performed with a solution of a complex of the Grignard reagent with an ether in toluene. 
     
     
       3. Process for the production of progesterone derivatives of general formula I according to claim 1, wherein the reaction is performed at a temperature of -20° C. to +10° C. 
     
     
       4. Process for the production of progesterone derivatives of general formula I according to claim 2, wherein the reaction is performed at a temperature of -20° C. to +10° C.